Art and music and dance, oh my! There's more to Prince George than meets the eye. Scratch the surface, and you'll find the city teeming with venues ready to bring you top-shelf arts and culture. Local Realtor Dean Birks highlights, in no particular order, ten locations to see all of arts & culture this city has to offer.
1. Books & Company, and the Artspace, 1685 3rd Avenue
We include these two together because the beloved 3rd Avenue bookstore is a one-two punch of two amazing arts venues in one building. Below, the bookstore and its ensuite Cafe Voltaire play host to regular author meet and greets, spoken word events, and open mic nights with local hosts. Upstairs, the ArtSpace holds regular punk shows, theatre nights, and even a recent art exhibit curated by local tattoo artists. http://www.booksandcompany.ca/
2. Prince George Public Library, 888 Canada Games Way
Not only can you retrieve books and CDs about multiple forms of art here, the library also holds free art events such as acting workshops, meet and greets for poets and writers, and sessions for those wanting to learn more about art forms such as animation or comic books. http://www.pgpl.ca/events
3. Theatre NorthWest, 556 North Nechako Road #36
Theatre Northwest is in its 25th season of providing quality theatre and musical theatre entertainment to the people of our fair city. This year features 6 total productions and 4 main stage productions. From classic plays such as Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol to more contemporary fair like the 2oo4 Governor General Award-winning Canadian production, Girl In The Goldfish Bowl. http://theatrenorthwest.com/shows/
4. The Prince George Playhouse, 2883 Recreation Place
Beloved annual events include performances by "Judy Russell Presents," a local musical troupe, as well as Cinema CNC's annual indie film festival, and features from Coldsnap, PG's winter music festival. Check their website for other offerings like local artist showcases and the occasional operatic performance. http://pgplayhouse.ca/events/
5. The CN Centre
Big name artists, Comedians, and productions have graced the CN Centre over the years, including but not limited to: Elton John, Marilyn Manson, Shania Twain, Russell Peters, Jerry Seinfeld, Cirque De Soleil. Prince George's Northern Fancon is also a yearly top-class Northern BC event. http://cncentre.ca/Pages/Welcome.aspx
6. University of Northern BC, 3333 University Way
The university regularly plays host to photograph workshops, student theatre performances, events from in-house radio station CFUR, and anthropological talks on First Nations art. Make sure to check out the Rotunda Art Gallery while you're there! www.unbc.ca/events
7. Two Rivers Gallery, 725 Canada Games Way
Northern BC's only world-class art gallery features 4 high-concept shows in their main galleries each year, as well as a monthly rotating artist feature. Check their website for other recurring participatory art events for the whole family. Attendance is free for the public on Thursdays. http://www.tworiversgallery.ca/
8. Omineca Arts Centre 369 Victoria Street
This up and comer features sponsored artists from Emily Carr University, as well as local artists, musicians, films, Karaoke nights, and comedians. https://www.ominecaartscentre.com/
9. Vanier Hall, 2901 Griffiths Avenue
This diverse hall regularly hosts the Prince George Symphony, ballet performances, and comedy performances. https://www.ticketmaster.ca/Vanier-Hall-tickets-Prince-George/venue/139490
10. The Prince George Legion #43, 1335 7th Avenue
The local legion has exploded as an underground music venue in the past few years, hosting local favourites like Canadian Waste, Crones, and Children of the Wave. Visiting bands include stars such as BA Johnston, Kitty & the Rooster, Carolyn Mark, and CR Avery. https://www.facebook.com/MadLoonEntertainment/
We hope that this list helps you find your cultural niche in our wonderful city. Dean Birks has been a national award-winning realtor in the Prince George area for over 25 years and is dedicated to the happiness and satisfaction of his clients and our community. For more information about his Realty practice, please visit his website at https://deanbirks.com/.
